Thompson Center Omega?

[Dclewis]

Anyone have any time in with the Omega? Im thinking about picking one up. I have never owned a front-loader before and could use some advise on loads and bullets.
Thanks for any Help. Dave

[Todd G.]

The Omega is a great ML! Whether you stick with two 50 grain pellets of Triple 7 and a 240 grain XTP sabot, or step it up to 3 pellets, they work great.

[Dclewis]

Thanks Todd.
Went to Gander and picked one up. I got the stainless with synthetic camo stock. Looks SWEET!!
It came with 250 grain Shockwave sabots. Is the brass tool in the pack for seating them??
Im going to head up to the shop in town that carries powder and pyrodex now , maybe he can point me in the right direction as far as loading it (the newbie at Gander didnt know #%*# about muzzleloaders).
Tommorow I wil go run a couple of rounds through it, only problem was Gander was out of scope bases for the Omega so ill see how it goes with the open sights to start . Hopefully they will have bases next week and I can mount the Nikon I picked up.
Still could use any pointers you guys could give me.

Thanks, Dave

[Yooper]

Hi. You picked up a great gun.
What grain weight are those Shockwaves? I've used them and they shoot great. Don't be afraid to experiement though... There are a lot of great bullets out there.

One thing about all muzzleloaders is they tend to be a touch on the finicky side. You may to to pay around to find the load that shoots best.

Yes, there should be a tool for seating the bullet in the barrel without damaging the polymer tip.

As far as powder goes... Triple 7 is good. I really like American Pioneer Powder too. Pyrodex is the most common, but it is also the most corrosive. It'll even tear up a stainless barrel. Regardless you have to clean 'em after each use. The APP cleans up easily with a wet swab. T7 requires a little more work, but it does shoot nicely.

Make sure you check your regs where you're at. Some states won't let you put a scope on a smokepole...

Enjoy. I'd rather use my muzzleloader than my regular rifles.

[Dclewis]

Thanks for yor reply Yooper,
Iwent out yesterday and put a couple through my Omega. I was quite pleased when the first 3 rounds hit in an area about the size of a coffee can. I used the supplied 250 grain shockwaves that came with the gun. I must admit that I was a little on the nervous side the first couple shots having never used one.
I used pyrodex pellets (the only thing I could get my hands on) and does it ever stink!
I shot using a log for a rest and the distance was 70 yards according to my Bushnel lazer, with the open sights that came with it I was about 2 inches high but dead on L to R. I was quite impressed.
I then did a quick cleaning and tightened up a little on my next group.
I cant believe the cleaning I had to do when I got home, what a stinky mess. I had no idea it would take this much to maintain a smokepole.
Just ordered Maxima rings and base from Cabelas, I will have them on mon. and will head back out with the Nikon installed. (NY does let you scope)
I think for now I will stick with the pellets, it just seems a lot quicker and safer to me. I used 100 grains (2 pellets) to start and was suprized at the velocity and accuracy. Are ther any other manufactures that pellatize there powder?
Cant wait to let er rip again, Dec. 12th is opening day again and have been watching a decent buck by one of my stand sights. I hope to see him again when the time is right.
Still could use more help, Thanks!
Dave

[grayling]

Try using Triple 7 pellets or American Pioneer Sticks as they are non-sulfur based. No stink, much easier to clean-up, and they don't cause as much rust to form. Most of the time (with 1-7 shots) I can clean everything with just warm water. Anything over that and you will need solvents but still not as bad as regular powder.

Triple 7 can only be loaded at 100 grains as it pressures are almost equal to 150 grains of pyrodex. Don't confuse the two.

Good Luck,

Grayling

[Dclewis]

This morning I got my hands on some of the American Pioneer sticks and promtly went and tried them out. I cant believe the difference in the smell! No stink at all.
My Maxima base and rings did show up today but not in time to install, so shot open sights again today.
The gun seems to prefer the 250 grain shockwaves over the 200 grain. the shots at 75 yards grouped well but 2 inches higher than when I used the pyrodex (Big Difference!) Must be a major change in velocity at that distance.
I shot about 26 rounds and did not clean until tonite which was a snap compared to the pyrodex. Thanks for the insight on the powder.
Iwill shoot scoped tommorow and will experiment with a couple more sabots but think I will end up sticking with the 250 grain s-waves. They seem to group a lot tighter.
The muz. season is coming quick but I think I'll ready. Dave

[hunterNick]

I own an omega and it is a very good gun, it is a little heavy for a young shooter like myself but has no recoil, but very accurate and good gun. If you have the money I highley suggest it.